The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints game on Sunday was a defensive battle early and a one-sided finish later. Tampa Bay led 7–3 at halftime and pulled away in the second half, eventually winning 23–3.
The Buccaneers’ defense set the tone with five sacks, two interceptions and a defensive touchdown, while Baker Mayfield managed 152 passing yards but no touchdowns. The win moved Tampa Bay to 6–2 and left New Orleans with more questions than answers.
Late in the contest, the Saints made a significant change at quarterback. Spencer Rattler was benched and Tyler Shough came in. Shough’s appearance felt like more than a mop-up stint, he entered while the game was still within reach and threw 30 passes in an attempt to spark a comeback.
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Rattler’s reaction on HC Kellen Moore benching him for Tyler Shough
On being replaced, Rattler stayed measured and professional. He didn’t lash out, instead he leaned into being a teammate and competing the right way.
“Yeah, I mean, we came out of the half, didn’t have a great drive, kept getting backed up, backed up, backed up. Just really couldn’t catch a rhythm. And he said, hey, we’re going to go with Tyler, get a little spark, see what’s going to happen. And it’s part of the game. I understand you can’t control everything,” Rattler said.
“It’s part of the game. I’ve been through adversity before. I’m going to be a good teammate, have good body language, still be a leader.”
Powerful: Saints star QB Spencer Rattler speaks on his reaction to HC Kellen Moore benching him for Tyler Shough.
“It’s part of the game. I’m gonna be a great teammate and respond in the right way and help in any way I can.”
Rattler was raised right 👏pic.twitter.com/PwsqvFnXA3
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 27, 2025
Rattler also admitted when asked about his astonishment at Coach Moore’s decision.
“A little bit, but hey, no bad feelings at all with Kellen. That’s my guy. He’s awesome. He’s been awesome all year. He understood. Just got to show back up and figure out what we need to get better at.”
Coach Kellen Moore has said he’ll re-evaluate who should be taking the bulk of offensive snaps and hopes to set the week’s plan by Wednesday’s practice. The Saints are 1–7 and have struggled to move the ball consistently ranking low in total offense, passing and scoring.
Rattler’s recent play has included six turnovers over the last two games. Shough’s heavier workload on Sunday gives New Orleans new tape to study and forces Moore to decide whether this was a one-game spark or the start of something longer.
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